Among the many things that I love about NonCOMM each year is the tangible sense of magic in the air that’s just everywhere. From the joy of seeing old friends and favorite bands play to the joy of discovering a slamming new act, it’s all there. No band better captured that raw feeling of mystery and cautious optimism than The Growlers. Playing upstairs to an absolutely packed room, the SoCal-based band mixed elements of pulp noir and classic Americana to make NonCOMM magic come true. Continue reading →

On Monday night, Orange County psych-surf band The Growlers made a stop at Philly’s Union Transfer as a part of their fall tour. They were joined by the Australian triio The Babe Rainbow, which was ollowed by an entertaining (and shirtless) set by DJ Johnny Basil. Both preceding acts laid the ground work for what would be an all out dance party when The Growlers took the stage. The beach-goth brethren had the crowd in the palms of their hands and even on stage though the constant circulation of crowd-surfing and stage diving. Playing dance heavy jams like “One Million Lovers” and “Going Gets Tough,” concert goers doubtless had sore legs and fond memories of the show the next morning. Check out a gallery of photos from the night below. Continue reading →

The last time the Growlers were in town, they sold out Johnny Brenda’s. Tonight, they’re playing at Union Transfer, and it is sure to be a fun show. The “beach goth” five-piece, who is known for blending surf guitar reverb with ’80s post-punk, released their fifth studio album, Chinese Fountain, last month. Get tickets and more info on the show at the XPN Concert Calendar. Continue reading →

South Philly native Lushlife will bring his beat-making swagger with him to Milkboy Philly tonight. Having made a stellar name for himself over the past year, Lushlife blends experimental production and live rapping together into one nuanced sound. Also performing is funky psychedelic duo THEESATISFACTION and indie electronic artist Mast. This show is 21+, doors open at 8 PM. Go here for tickets.

Bucks County native Alec Gross has been making a name for himself in the New York City singer-songwriter scene, but he returns to the region tonight for a show at the Abington Arts Center. The lushly-arranged songs on his album Strip the Lanterns are both introspective and anthemic, recalling Josh Ritter and Bruce Springsteen – you can grab a download of his single “If You Don’t Mind (Baby Go Ahead)” below. The Abington Art Center is located at 515 Meetinghouse Road in Jenkintown. Admission to the all ages show is $5 and music begins at 7 p.m.

A band from California who calls themselves The Growlers will be playing tonight at Johnny Brenda’s. The group experiments with different sounds ranging from psychedelic to classic rock to hip hop. Also playing will be Philadelphia psych rock boys, Mountjoy who just released their Naked Lake EP. To purchase tickets to this 21+ show go here. Doors open at 8PM.

About The Key

Philadelphia: Home to a rich musical history, a unique musical identity, and one of the nation's most thriving musical communities. In a scene filled with so many local bands worth listening to, there will always be new music to discover—and The Key is your source for finding it. Brought to you by WXPN—the non-commercial public radio station that World Cafe, XPN2, and XPoNential Music Festival call home—The Key covers all local music in Greater Philly and beyond.GET IN TOUCH

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About The Key

Philadelphia: Home to a rich musical history, a unique musical identity, and one of the nation's most thriving musical communities. In a scene filled with so many local bands worth listening to, there will always be new music to discover—and The Key is your source for finding it. Brought to you by WXPN—the non-commercial public radio station that World Cafe, XPN2, and XPoNential Music Festival call home—The Key covers all local music in Greater Philly and beyond.GET IN TOUCH